Longford residents urged to take first national survey on important topic
The Research in Ireland Barometer 2026 is a national project designed to deliver a deeper understanding of how Ireland views research.
Longford people who are aged 16 and over have been urged to take part in a national survey on research before the closing date of September 30.
The Research in Ireland Barometer 2026 is a national project designed to build a richer, more inclusive understanding of how people encounter, engage with, and experience research in their everyday lives.
Since launching at the start of June, participation in the Barometer has been strong, with people from communities across Ireland contributing their perspectives on research via an online survey that takes ten minutes to complete.
The Barometer focuses on capturing lived experience – the stories, contexts and perspectives that shape how people relate to research.
It will serve as a baseline for the years ahead, offering a clearer picture of how research is understood, trusted and encountered across different communities.
It reflects an ambition to broaden participation, ensuring that people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances can contribute.
To drive participation in the barometer, Research Ireland has been holding a series of community-based focus groups across the country in partnership with regional organisations.
These sessions have been designed to capture feedback and insights from people whose perspectives are often missing from national conversations about research.
The nationwide awareness campaign has also included Research Ireland teams on the ground at Electric Picnic, as well as the forthcoming National Ploughing Championships (September 15th-17th).
Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland, Dr Ruth Freeman, said, "The strong response we have received to the Research in Ireland Barometer demonstrates the willingness of people across Ireland to share their experiences and perspectives on research.
"Through the survey, our focus groups and public engagement activities around the country, we are hearing from people in a wide range of communities and learning more about how research intersects with everyday life.
"We want to ensure that as many voices as possible are represented before the survey closes at the end of September.
"By listening to people’s lived experiences and meeting people where they are, we aim to build a richer, more inclusive understanding of research and ensure it remains connected to the needs and experiences of the public.”
Participation in the barometer is open to anyone living in Ireland aged 16 and over. The Barometer survey closes on 30 September 2026, and findings are scheduled to be published later this year.
For information on the Barometer and to take part in the survey, visit www.researchireland.ie/research-in-ireland-barometer